(LEAD) (Asiad) Latvian-born hoops coach for S. Korea silences critics with gold
NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- Nikolajs Mazurs lost his first three games i...
Nikolajs Mazurs, a Latvian-born basketball coach for South Korea, silenced his critics by leading the team to gold in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. After losing their first three matches, the South Korean team showed significant improvement, with their defense and offensive play enhancing each day. Lee Hyun-jung, a Davidson product targeting National Basketball Association dreams, led the scoring with 27 points and 18 rebounds.
Mazurs credited his players, especially bigs Lee Seoung-hyun and Jang Jae-seok, for their selfless plays. Guards Lee Jung-hyun and Moon Jeong-hyeon played strong on-ball defense. The team's collective effort and individual brilliance culminated in their victory. Mazurs thanked his players and the Korea Basketball Association for their support.
The team's first gold since 2014 and first at an away Asian Games since 1982, set the stage for Mazurs' next challenge: leading South Korea to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
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